Program Officer: Church Planting Specialist

Department: Evangelism and Congregational Life
Date Posted: 5/7/2008
Closing Date: 5/21/2008

Job Description

The Center for Evangelism and Congregational Life groups together those activities that support dioceses, organizations and congregations to effect Church growth and vitality. The purpose of this work is to further God’s mission by serving and equipping the people of the Episcopal Church.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Within the Center, the Program Officer focusing on Church Planting is responsible for serving and equipping Episcopal Provinces, dioceses  and congregations as they seek to establish new congregations and worshipping communities (both traditional and non-traditional), initiate parallel development in already established congregations, and restart congregations seeking to begin a new lifecycle. The Church Planter will work closely with the Program Officer for Evangelism and the rest of the Evangelism and Congregational Life Center. 

The position includes the development of resources, creating and maintaining web sites, planning and implementing trainings and conferences, and speaking at Diocesan and Provincial events. Building collaborative working relationships with existing networks, groups, organizations, committees of General Convention and institutions currently focusing on Church Planting, plus facilitating the formation of new networks and other effective forms of communication where needed are priorities. Being aware of and articulate about different Church Planting trends, training and theories domestically, internationally, and ecumenically is expected.

Job Requirements

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position and not necessarily the skills you bring to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• A Bachelor’s degree and theological education/training (advanced degree preferred)—ordination not required.
• Thorough knowledge of the Episcopal Church
• Willingness and ability to preach at worship services when requested
• A heartfelt understanding of Evangelism and the ability to articulate that understanding, including the relationship between Evangelism and Church Planting
• Willingness to collaborate with colleagues across Christian denominations, both domestically and internationally
• A desire to serve the Church
• Self-starter personality, willing and able to work independently and take responsibility for all aspects of trainings, events, and resource development (including but not limited to assessment of need,  budget, marketing and promotion, evaluation, etc.)
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy

Preferred Job Requirements

• Experience in program development
• Bilingual Spanish-English preferred but not mandatory

Work Environment

This position will temporarily be based in New York with the probable relocation to one of the regional offices. Travel is estimated at 25%-50%.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and provides a generous benefits package. The Episcopal Church Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks applications from members of protected groups.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume to eccjobs@episcopalchurch.org and indicate in the subject line “Program Officer: Church Planting Specialist”. Please, no telephone inquiries. Qualified applicants will be contacted.